If you dispense medication samples to patients, here are a few suggestions that will help minimize the risk of problems.
Storage and Monitoring:
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- Store samples in a locked location.
- Keep samples well organized. Separate drugs with similar names.
- Schedule a time each month to check for expired samples and dispose according to law.
- Keep a tracking log. Record the patient's name, the medication given, the date dispensed, and the lot number.
Access:
- Only physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants with prescribing authority may actually dispense medications.
- Do not allow employees to request or access samples for personal use.
- Do not allow medicine to be dispensed without physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant authorization.
Dispensing:
- Sample medications should be labeled with the patient's name, dosage, frequency, and route.
- When retrieving samples, authorized personnel should review the order, check the drug name on the package, confirm the expiration date, and verify patient drug allergies.
- The prescriber should discuss proper administration, storage and drug side effects. Written instruction may also be provided to the patient.
- Document, document, document. In the patient's record, note which sample medication was used, the lot number, and the time spent educating the patient on the proper use of the medication.
Authored by
Ann Whitehead, RN, JD
CAP Risk Management & Patient Safety Department
If you have questions about this article, please contact us. This information should not be considered legal advice applicable to a specific situation. Legal guidance for individual matters should be obtained from a retained attorney.